JERC warns of power shortfalls, directs short-term and spot power purchases to ensure reliable power
PANAJI
Uninterrupted supply of power may still be a distant dream, but if the Goa Electricity Department does execute the plans for energy storage and setting up mini-hydroelectric projects, then getting steady supply during peak load hours can be a reality for consumers by 2030.
In the GED’s five-year business plan for the control period ending in 2030, the department has pledged to set up a 1,000 megawatt-hour (one million units) energy storage capacity to tide over the peak load shortages the State faces.
However, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Goa and Union Territories, except Delhi, which granted its approval to the business plan on Wednesday, is not convinced and has asked the GED to take “all possible” measures to ensure reliable power supply, including resorting to spot purchase of power.
According to GED’s proposal for energy storage, it involves using technologies such as the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) to balance variable renewable energy sources with the grid demand. It said it is exploring the feasibility of pumped storage and small hydro projects.
However, despite the plans submitted in detail, the JERC, headed by Alok Tandon and also comprising Member (Law) Jyoti Prasad, in their approval order has warned that the GED is likely to face a shortfall in meeting the projected peak electricity demand during the five-year period.
“The Petitioner (GED) is therefore directed to take all necessary measures to ensure provision of 24x7 uninterrupted, quality and reliable power supply to consumers,” Tandon and Prasad said in their approval order, adding that the GED should proactively bridge the power gap through short-term power procurement, bilateral arrangements or spot market purchases to maintain supply reliability.
